KARACHI: Customs Court Judge Syed Faiz Rasool Rashdi has extended physical remand of Muhammad Yaseen, the main suspect in currency smuggling case, and Muhammad Afzal, a customs superintendent posted at Karachi airport, for another four days.

During the hearing, the investigation officer produced both the suspects before the court and submitted that investigation had not yet been completed and prosecution needed further remand. After the arguments, the court extended their physical remand and directed the investigation officer to produce them on the next date of hearing along with progress report.

According to the prosecution, Superintendent Muhammad Afzal intercepted Yaseen at the international departure lounge of the Karachi airport on February 8, 2017. Yaseen, who was travelling to Dubai, was carrying unauthorized limit of $10,000. Superintendent Afzal brought him in the office of directorate general located at international departure hall and recovered five packets of the foreign currency comprising US dollars and Saudi riyals.

Investigation officer informed the court that when Afzal was asked him about the passenger, he said that the passenger was a poor person and he intended to save him. However, during the investigation, Muhammad Afzal admitted to keeping the recovered money at his home. A raid was conducted at his home and $18,900 and Saudi Riyals 76,500 were recovered from there.

As per the FIR, accused are involved in the nature of offence of smuggling of foreign currency and embezzlement of recovered foreign currency, therefore, a case was registered against them under section 2(s) 16, 161, 168, of the Customs Act 1969 punishable under section 156 (1) (8) (81) (82) & 156 (2) ibid.